PhD Position in Reversible Programming for Energy Efficient Cyber-Physical Systems at University of Southern Denmark – Denmark

Summary

The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is offering a 3-year PhD position in reversible programming for energy-efficient cyber-physical systems. This position, DC12, is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network E-CoRe and is available from January 1, 2027. The research will focus on using reversible programming to reduce energy consumption in systems like perching aerial robots and IoT devices, investigating the correlation between energy savings and system I/O characteristics. Applicants should have an MSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, and must not hold a doctoral degree. They must also comply with the MSCA mobility rule, not having resided or carried out their main activity in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment. The successful candidate will join the SDU Drone Center in Odense.

Key Facts

Department	SDU Drone Center at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, Faculty of Engineering
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Computer Science, Software Engineering
Research Area	Reversible Programming, Energy Efficient Cyber-Physical Systems, Reversible Computing, Programming Languages, Software, Energy Efficiency, Low-Energy Cyber-Physical Systems, Perching Aerial Robots, IoT Devices
Degree Required	MSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field
Funding	Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network E-CoRe
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	English
Employer Address	SDU’s main campus in Odense

About the Project

The research project focuses on reversible programming languages and their application to energy-efficient cyber-physical systems. It aims to investigate how reversible programming can reduce energy consumption and how these energy savings correlate with the input/output (I/O) characteristics of systems. The project will involve implementing algorithms using reversible programming languages, extending these languages as needed, and integrating software into simulated cyber-physical systems, including perching drones and IoT sensing scenarios. Energy consumption will be estimated through combined hardware-level and system-level analysis. The ultimate goal is to apply these findings to low-energy cyber-physical systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement algorithms using reversible programming languages.
• Extend reversible programming languages when new application-specific constructs or programming idioms are required.
• Integrate software into simulated cyber-physical systems, including perching drones and IoT sensing scenarios.
• Estimate energy consumption using combined hardware-level and system-level analysis.
• Investigate the relationship between energy savings from reversible computation and system I/O characteristics.
• Publish research findings at international conferences and peer-reviewed journals in programming languages, software engineering, and cyber-physical systems.
• Participate in the Drone Center’s research projects, outreach activities, and the E-CoRe training programme.
• Potentially co-supervise related student projects.

Required Skills

• MSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field
• Fluent in English
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment
• Willingness to travel for secondments and network events
• Ability to publish research in recognised international conferences and peer-reviewed journals

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for candidates holding or completing an MSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field. Ideal applicants will have an interest or experience in programming language design, functional/declarative programming, software development, algorithms, simulation, modeling, energy estimation, embedded systems, real-time software, or robotic software. Candidates must be fluent in English, capable of independent and collaborative work in an international research environment, willing to travel for secondments and network events, and committed to publishing research. Applicants must not hold a doctoral degree and must meet the MSCA mobility rule regarding residency in Denmark.

About the Employer

The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) hosts the SDU Drone Center, which is part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute at the Faculty of Engineering. The center is located on SDU’s main campus in Odense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the PhD position?

The PhD position is for 3 years.

What is the start date for the position?

The position is available from January 1, 2027, with the specific start date to be agreed with the successful candidate.

What degree is required for applicants?

Applicants should hold, or be completing before the start date, an MSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field.

Are there any nationality restrictions for applicants?

No, applicants are eligible regardless of nationality.

What is the mobility rule for this Marie Skłodowska-Curie position?

Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Denmark for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before recruitment.

Where will the PhD candidate be based?

The PhD candidate will join the SDU Drone Center, part of the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute at the Faculty of Engineering on SDU’s main campus in Odense.